Margaret stands by the window, gently rocking her daughter, Daisy. Tears trickle down her cheeks. Just a few hours ago, her husband, James, came home from work. Without saying a word, he packed his things, took all their savingsthe money theyd been putting aside for a deposit on a flatand walked out. He said love was gone, that hed met the woman of his dreams, and hes leaving for her.
Margaret doesnt even have time to say anything before James slams the door behind him. He doesnt even say goodbye to Daisy…
All evening, Margaret weeps. Theres no way she can afford the rent alone. Moving back in with her mum isnt possibleher brother and his family have already settled in there. She feels hopeless. Living off child benefits wont be enough, and Daisy is only eight months oldfar too young for Margaret to go back to work.
For two days, Margaret looks everywhere for a cheaper place to live, but gets nowhere. Even so, she needs money regardless.
On the evening of the third day, the doorbell rings. Standing on the threshold is her mother-in-law.
Margaret expects a telling-offthats usually the case. Her mother-in-law always found something to criticise. But this time is different:
May I come in?
Come through to the kitchen, Daisys asleep.
In the kitchen, Margaret makes some tea.
Im sorry, Ive only got some jam to go with the tea…
I didnt come for a cuppa, says her mother-in-law. Yesterday, Jamie told me hes left you. I tried to talk sense into him, but its no use. Hes just like his fatheralways chasing after the next woman. His father left me and Jamie when he was just a baby. I raised him alone. Seems I didnt do a good job if hes turned out like this, leaving a good woman and his daughter.
But anyway, that’s not why Im here. Ive come to take you both home with me. You cant manage the flat on your own, and itll be easier for us both together. Ill help with Daisy. If you want to return to work, I can look after her.
I dont want to trouble you, Mrs. Smith. Well figure something out.
Nonsense! If you dont like it, you can always leave. But Im offering you this help from my heart.
I wanted to ask my mum, since Im still registered at her house.
Theres already five of them crammed into that tiny place. If you move, itll be seven! Thats no good. Ive got a three-bed flat and Ive freed up the biggest room for you and Daisy. So pack your things and Ill help.
Thank you, Mrs. Smith, Margaret whispers. Shed never expected kindness from her.
Suddenly, Daisy wakes up. Gran picks her up tenderly.
My, hasnt our little beauty grown? Are you ready to come to grannys? Well read stories and play. All those years working in the nursery werent for nothing, you know.
Margaret packs, still in disbelief that its her mother-in-law whos offering such support during this desperate time. Right after Daisy was born, Mrs. Smith loudly declared the baby didnt look like them and hinted Margaret must have strayed. She was impossible to convince otherwise.
Shed vanished for a month, then returned only to go on about how the name should have been different, that there are far too many Daisys on their street, and that Margaret should have consulted her. For eight whole months it was like this. And now, everythings changed. But Margaret really has no choice; the landlords given them a week to leave.
Mrs. Smiths flat is spotless and cosy, as shes always been one for order.
Come through, I even found a cot for Daisy. If you dont like it, well get a new one. Unpack your thingsIve cleared this wardrobe for you. Ill play with Daisy while you settle in.
Soon, Daisy is bathed and put to bed.
Lets have some dinner. Its been a long, tough day.
Margaret, Im sorry for the way Ive treated you. I know Ive hurt you. Ill do my best not to meddle anymore. And Im ashamed of Jamie. I must have missed something in raising him.
Ive made dinner, so dont be shy. Tell me what you like to eat; Ill cook it. Ill help with Daisywalks, playtime, or popping to the shops for you if you need it.
I feel awful putting you out…
Were not strangers, are we? Trouble brings people closer.
Margaret starts crying again. No one has ever cared for her like thisnot even her own mother, who seemed to forget her after she married.
Thats enough tears now, Mrs. Smith says gently. Pull yourself together. This is my faultyoure crying because I raised an idiot. Time I fixed my mistakes.
Four months go by. Mrs. Smith prepares for Daisys first birthday: she bakes a cake, blows up balloons, and dresses her granddaughter in a pretty frock.
When Daisy spots the decorated room and new toys, she lets go of her mothers hand and toddles her very first steps. The scene is so sweet, both women dissolve into tears of joy.
Look at that! Shes walking. Well done, darling!
Daisy lands gently on her bottom, then crawls toward her new toys.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings. The key turns in the lock, and in walks Jameshes not alone, but with a young woman holding the hand of a boy, maybe six years old.
Mum, weve come to live with you for a bit. You must get lonely. Besides, rent is sky-high now, and Im up to my ears in loans. Just cant manage.
James spots Margaret and scowls.
Whats she doing here?!
Well, for starters, shes Margaretyour wife, still legally. Youve not divorced. Shes been living here for four months, ever since you vanished with all the money, leaving her alone with your baby daughter.
Right now, were celebrating your daughter Daisys birthday, which you clearly forgot.
And, finally: put your keys on the sideboard and go find yourself somewhere else to live with your new family. All the rooms are taken, and Im certainly not lonely. Funny, you never wanted to speak to me when I calledsuddenly you remember you have a mother now? Not for you, James. Goodbye.
Margaret lives with her mother-in-law for another five years. Mrs. Smith looks after Daisy, encourages Margaret back to work, and cares for them both.
After those years, Margaret meets a wonderful man. Shes nervous about telling Mrs. Smithembarrassed, somehowbut Mrs. Smith brings it up first.
Theres no need to sneak around like teenagers. If you love him, live together! Dont worry about what Ill think. Im happy for you. Youre young, lifes ahead of you. And Ill always help out with Daisy.
Margaret remarries. Mrs. Smith comes to the wedding, delighted for Margaret, most of all because she soon learns Daisy will have a little sisterand shell have another granddaughter to cherish and help raise.
